You are U

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.- Philippians 2:4

Do you ever just read a verse and think "REALLY?" For me I have no problem doing this at all for the people that I just "click" with, or with people that are kind at heart. As much as this is going to come as a shock, I do not get along with everyone. In fact more than a few people I struggle with. Yet reading this verse this week I was like "Okay God, I get it." I was just speaking with a friend about this, and we both laughed and said things like " Lots of prayer is involved, prayer to change our hearts." This has been apparent in my life for the past month or so, that I am pretty good at talking the talk, then as Christ calls me to walk it out I struggle to take back control then end up reenacting a teenage tantrum and loosing the battle.

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day."Psalm 46:5

There are so many times especially in this world that it looks easier to live without Christ. I have never chosen the easy road, which just shows me I'm always up for a challenge. Yet if I retreat every time it gets hard in my walk, or in motherhood, or marriage, or friendship I would miss out on so many,many blessings when I accomplish the task at hand. My favorite song today has been "Stand-Susan Ashton" The lyrics just speak to my heart and I just really enjoy her voice. It has been quite the day, Thing 2 decided she wanted to relive being an infant so she pulled an all nighter. Boy, Makes you not want to complain about the sleep you aren't getting, Then you see what No sleep is really like. I find in every situation I go to the enemy wants me to feel completely and totally alone. You know when you are in that dark place, lonliness becomes your companion. We reach out into the darkness instead of searching for the light. We have been singing "This little light of mine", Thing 1 has been practicing. Which brings me to the verse that I think of in times of darkness. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeeds and praise your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:14-16

If you know me than you know I don't like the dark, in fact I am scared of it. I always put lights on, I never like complete darkness and like my children enjoy nightlights. I don't see this as a downfall in any way, more that my life is living out what Christ calls of us. To let our lights shine, :) Even when we're sleeping. For me that's where Satan tries to get a foothold, wherever there is darkness. I've learned in the past weeks that If I don't address situations of darkness, the darkness grows. That is why I have started shining light wherever I go. With Thing 1 I have struggled to be the mom he needs, especially when he is consistently misbehaving. Which leads me back to Psalm 46:5, God has given us all the instructions we need! Basically for me it has come down to , I don't really care if its popular to cling to all the things I know as truth. Regardless this is who I am. Christ has brought me this far, and until He brings me to be with him in heaven this is who I am going to be. As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I pray that you are seeking the wisdom God has given you. This world is hard, and always out to bring us down. Yet our Savior is here to lift us up, avoiding the world and living in harmony and peace with our Creator. Blessings on your Thanksgiving. I am so Thankful I can get to know my Lord day after day. S.

A closer look

Because I don't do this often, I decided to write out some questions.. along with my answers and give you a little .. closer view of "Me"

Food: Top comfort food favorites include: Chicken Pot Pie, Tacos, Cold Spaghetti, Steak & Potatoes, Pot Roast, Pizza.

Dessert: I love all kinds of pie, but chocolate or some kind of berry is definitely a winner. Chocolate strawberries- Delish Canoli- Yum and I love all candy bars mostly. Top 5 would be :Snickers, Butterfinger, Mr. Goodbar, Nutrageous, Take 5. I love sour patch kids, Chewy spree and all M & m's :)

All things Me: *Singing, Playing Games-Board games, Video games, I love games. Scrapbooking although I never get time too. I love to write letters, I enjoy coloring books and having a new tv series to watch. Reading my bible while snuggled under blankets and kids quiet-Best day ever.

Face/Hair: I don't really care as long as I'm clean. I throw my hair up and I rarely wear makeup. I have come to a place of acceptance of who I am and that's what God loves about me. Now if I could just come to that place in ways of "things".

Clothes: My closet is not what I truly want it to be. I have new love of stripes and mostly everything nautical. Which happens to be expensive brands like Tommy hillfinger, chaps, Nautica, You name that more preppy together look, that's what I like. I didn't ever have a style so now that I know what I like it makes shopping much easier.

Dislikes: Being sick, going to places with no drive thru, I vote all stores have a place to drive your car and shop. It is much easier than lugging children to and fro. That my kids don't float. It would so much easier travel. Anything that doesn't self clean.

Favorite movies: She's the Man, Sweet home Alabama, Little women, PIXAR all the way, Anything I can just relax and enjoy. Phantom of the Opera, Taken, Pocohantas, Beauty and the Beast,Beastly, The notebook, V for Vendetta, Avengers , All batmans, I am a Geek for sure. :)

What I collect/like: RAIN GEAR, Journals, Aprons. I am like I already stated attracted to nautical things.I like hounds tooth and plaid and mostly anything with teal and navy in it.

I hope this has helped you get to know me a little better. :) Blessings on your weeks!!

S.

Whats that smell?

Today I am doing a major downsize and reorganizing. It is actually a ton of work which is a slow process but other than bible studies this week I have no plans so plenty of time. A blessing in many ways to get it all done before the holidays that always seem to come with inhale and leave before you get to exhale. At least that's how it seems to go year after year here.

I was reading the end of the psalms last night, it was nice just to Praise God for all He does within us and throughout our days. It always surprises me to know how much an impact you made on someone's life. I just want to keep that in mind daily because if I am making an impact I hope that impact reflects my Savior. Let's be honest, I don't always act that way. So I pray that my actions and my words are more just a living testimony of who I want to be and strive everyday to live up to those. So while I was puttering rearranging cupboards, I caught a whiff of (Hubbys) body spray. My past just swept completely over me and I felt like I was 16 again smelling it at church. Just like whenever I smell Garnier Fructis I'm back at summer camp washing my hair. I love that, I love that smells just basically transport you back to memories you long have forgotten. My family is addicted to the baby magic smell, every new baby that comes along they lather that stuff on like it's gone tomorrow. So whenever it graces my nose, I think "New baby". *chuckles* Spiritually its the same way for me.Whenever we go to a scripture that has been such a rock in my walk I think "hello old friend". How when I read a verse in my bible that's highlighted. It's almost seeing a trailer of all the moments I clung to that exact verse. I have really been enjoying reading in my bible then reading the same thing in other versions. Having that time in the word brings me to my latest episode. Thing 1 has been taking off his diaper and going potty in the house. Saturday it was pooping down the hallway, Today it was peeing underneath the crib. I can tell you that instead of being like "aww aren't you cute", I look at that beautiful little face and pray. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God' may your good spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:8-10

Just typing it out now I am like.. *long exhale* Amen Thank you God. :) I just pray that I follow where God's leading me. That I am constant in seeking His will and not my own. I don't want this life to be about me, I want it to bring glory to Him. I have so grown up, from my days of wearing the self involved t-shirts. Now I have the little ones that "know" its all about them. I will look forward to when they grow up and have little "self obsessed" munchkins of there own. Growing up for me has been challenging, but I am happy to grow. I love time in my word, I have learned to take what I can get and not beat myself up over that. Anytime in the word is a blessing! Oh November I welcome you with open arms, I love seeing all the thankful posts even though a friend and I were chuckling about it. In November we are super thankful than December rolls around and we begin posting all the things we want. Very sad, but true. Praying for this country and all the big decisions that are going to be decided. God has his everlasting hand on us and will be right with us today, tomorrow and to come. Blessings and Prayers for all that are willing to receive it. S.